Shawn McDonald
“Ripen”
Sparrow Records
15 tracks @ 61:00

This sophomore release is full of mellow and contemplative folk-pop songs with simple lyrics that center on spiritual growth and maturity.

I thought the stand-out tracks were the shortest ones on the disk; “The Rider on the White Horse,” “Ramblings of a Beggar” and the flamenco-guitar driven “Imago.” That genre bending song, with its heavy breathing for vocals, steers McDonald in a new direction, which I hope he’ll explore more often.

“A Little More” is another strong track, sung with some passion. It’s about reaching out to those that no one else, except Jesus, will help. “It’s time to confess that I need a little more Jesus inside of me.”

“Free” is the current single. If you like that song you will enjoy this record.

- Rob S.